Container



June 2, 1942. 1.. SCHWARTZBERG CONTAINER Filed Sept. 10, .1938 3 Sheets-Sheet l Jnvw nf'or V L auiJ Sc/ewrar'gbetg kfz yb'.

J 1942- L. SCHWARTZBERG R 2,285,129

CONTAINER Filed Sept. 10, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 62 7Q 5.9 as 47 59 June 2,1942. L. SCHWARTZBERG CONTAINER Filed Sept. 10, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 31 flaw 96ml 111cm Patented June 2, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE QCONTAI'NER- I Louis Schwartzberg, Chicago, Ill. Application September 10, 1928, Serial No. 229,278

3 Claims. (Cl. 229-25) My invention relates to containers, and more particularly to improvements in carriers or containers for fragile and breakable articles, such as eggs, which containers or carriers are adapted to provide a convenient and compact package for storage and distribution of small quantities of the articles, as well as to serve as packing elements for the prevention of breakage in packing and shipping large quantities of the articles.

Containers utilizing a casing integrally molded of pulp or fibrous material are advantageousas compared to those made from flat sheet stock, since they do not require assembly operations and because the process of manufacture by molding lends itself very favorably to the formation of hollow partitioning elements which have very good cushioning qualities.

From the economic standpoint it is very desirable to provide a container which replaces the generally used fillers and flats for packing and shipping large quantities of fragile articles, such as eggs, and in addition serves as a unitary container or package for dispensing smaller quantities of the articles. Also, from the standpoint of economics and convenience, the containers should nest closely together with a minimum of bulk and waste space when shipped or stored alone.

For the packing of articles such as eggs which require ventilation for proper preservation, the packing elements or containers should provide air spaces and passages around the articles and openings for ventilation.

For the packing of articles of tested or guaranteed quality and to prevent changing or handling of the articles, it is advantageous that the container or package be labeled and sealed.

The roughness of the surface of molded pulp or fibrous material and the irregularity of the shape of the molded casings make direct printing on the casing a diflicult and cumbersome operation. Also, the softness of the material produced by the well-known vacuum mold process makes the bracing of an outer sheet paper wrapper desirable, particularly when the casing is designed effectively to co-operate with the wrapper and be strengthened and rigidified thereby.

It is therefore an object of my invention to provide a container for eggs or other fragile and breakable articles that replace cushions and flats by providing packing elements for large quantity shipments and also serves as a container fo r storage and distribution of smaller "quantities of the articles.

Another object of my invention is to provide a container having a casing of molded paper pulp or fibrous-material which includes integral cushioning partitions providing individual nests for fragile articles and utilizing .a wrapper of sheet paper tightly wrapped in one direction about the outside of the casing to individualize, seal, and strengthen the casing. I

Another object of my invention is to provide a container for fragile and breakable'articles which has a molded pulp or fibrous material casing having openings therein for the aeration of the articles and providing partitionsfor separating and cushioning individual articles, and a wrapper of sheet paper whichprovides a seal for the casing without covering the said openings.

Another object of my invention is to provide a container for fragile and breakable articles which serves as an individual sealed package for dispensing predetermined quantities fof the articles and is adapted to be grouped withv other similar containers to provide the packing necessary for shipment of the articles in larger quantities.

Another object of my invention is to provide containers for fragile and breakable articles which have casings integrally formed of molded pulp or fibrous material and have bottom portions including separators which provide individual nests for the articles and cover portions which provide separators that co-operate with the nests, the parts of each of the portions being so shaped that the containers stack closely together with very little wasted space and are usable from such stacks without assembly operations. I

Another obliect of my invention is to provide a container for fragile and breakable articles which includes a casing having integral bottom and cover portions hinged together and a reinforcing element adapted to strengthen the container on the side opposite the hinge and improve the joint between the bottom and cover portions, particularly when the casing is wrapped.

Another object of my invention is to provide a molded protective packing casing for fragile and breakable articles which provides partitions for separating and cushioning the articles, and which has outer walls so shaped that they provide cushioning abutments for the outside of the casing.

..Another object of my invention is to provide a molded protective packingcasing for fragile and breakable articles which provides integral cushions for separating the articles and has parts so constructed and arranged that the casing is reinforced and braced when closed.

Another object of my invention is to provide a container for fragile and breakable articles including a molded casing having partitioning and cushioning elements molded into the outer surface thereof and so shaped that similar containers stack together with only a very small amount of waste space when the containers are op'en, said casing being provided with a sealing wrapper adapted to cover a portion of the surface of the casing and co-operate with the outer contour thereof in such a way that it does not interfere with the stacking.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved molded casing and container for packing and dispensing predetermined quantities of eggs or other fragile articles.

Other objects will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of my invention is clearly shown and described.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is aperspective view showing the interior of a molded casing embodying a preferred form of my invention; v

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the exterior of the casing shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the exterior of a wrapped and sealed container embodying a preferred form of my invention and utilizing the casing shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a casing suchas that shown in Fig. 1 having a wrapper secured to the surface thereof;

Fig. 51s a sectional view taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig. 3 and in the direction of the arrows;

Figs. 6 and 7 are fragmentary sectional views taken substantially on lines 6-6 and 1-1, respectively, of Fig. 5 and in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the interior of a molded casing embodying a modification of my invention;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the exterior of the casing shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the exterior of a wrapped and sealed container utilizing the-casing shown in Figs. 8 and 9;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line llll of Fig. 10 and in the direction of the arrows;

Figs. 12 and 13 are perspective fragmentary views taken substantially on lines I2-I2 and i 3-! 3 of Fig. 11 and in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a modified form of casing somewhat similar to that shown in Fig. 11; s

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary plan view of the interior of the casing shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 16 is a sectional elevation of a group of casings of the type shown in Figs. 8 and 15 which illustrates those casings nested together;

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary plan view of the interior of the casing shown in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 18 is a sectional elevation of a group of casings of the type shown in Fig. 17 when those casings are nested together.

With particular reference to Figs. 1 to 7, inelusive, 17 and 18, a casing 20' has a base portion or receptacle 2| and a cover 22, which are preferably integrally molded of a paper P or other suitable fibrous material by the wellknown suction mold process and hingedly connected together at 23 where the molded material is preferably creased or folded. The base portion or receptacle 2| has integrally molded parts which comprise a bottom 24, side walls 25 and 26, and end walls 21 and 28, as well as hollow and preferably substantially wedge-shaped partitioning and cushioning elements 29, 30 and 3|. The partitioning and cushioning elements preferably comprise the element 30 that extends longitudinally of and practically divides the base or receptacle 2| into two sections and rows of separated partitioning and cushioning elements 29 and 3| on each side of the element 30, which divide the sections into article receiving spaces. The partitioning and cushioning elements 29, 30, and 3! are by preference hollow, integrally molded with the bottom 24 and separated from the sides 25 and 26 and the ends 21 and 28. The elements 29, 30, and 3| are hollow so that they provide better cushions, are easily molded without wasting material, and so that similar casings closely nest together with very little waste space. They are integrally molded with the bottom and separated from the sides and ends to provide more air space and air-circulating passages for aeration of articles separated and cushioned thereby. The partitioning and cushioning element 30 has side walls 32 and 33 tapered inwardly and toward each other from the bottom 24 and has end walls, such as 34 and 35, which are desirable to strengthen and rigidify the element. 7 The partitioning and cushioning elements 29 and 3| are preferably uniformly spaced and have sides 36 and 31 tapering inwardly and toward each other from the bottom to form a wedge shape and also have end surfaces 38 and 39 that taper inwardly from the bottom. The side walls 25 and 26 preferably taper or slope outwardly from the bottom. The end walls 21 and 28 also preferably taper or slope outwardly from the bottom and have integrally formed outwardly projecting hollow ribs 49 and 4|, respectively, that preferably slope outwardly from the bottom with respect to the end walls 21 and 28 and provide cushions for shocks resulting from objects or surfaces abutting the ends of the casing.

The cover 22 has a top 42, side walls 43 and 44, end walls 45 and 46, and preferably has a plurality of hollow supporting elements or projections 41 arranged in a row substantially parallela f to the partitioning element 30 and in position for engagement with that partitioning element when the casing is closed. The supporting elements or projections 41 are preferably four-sided and polygonal in section with their walls tapering inwardly and toward each other from the top 42 substantially forming frustrated pyramids. It is also preferable that the diagonals of the sections of the projections or supporting elements 41 are angularly disposed with respect to the diagonals of the sections of the spacing elements 29 and 3|, so that with the projections 41 in substantial alignment with the separating and cushioning elements 29 and 3|, substantially flat surfaces of the projections 41 face and support articles separated by the elements 29 and 3|. The projections 41 not only provide such additional support for fragile or breakable articles within the casing, but also provide supporting and strengthening braces for the cover 22 and top 42. The side walls 43 and 44 taper or slope outwardly from the top 42 and abut the edges of the side walls 25 and 26, respectively, to form obtuse angles therewith when the cover 22 is closed against the base or receptacle 2|. The end walls 45 and 46 each have integral outwardly projecting hollow ribs 48 and 49, respectively, in substantial alignment with the ribs '40 and 4 respectively, and preferably taper outwardly from the top, with respect to the end walls 45 and 46. Either or -both end walls 21 and 28 and/or the end walls 45 and 46 have cutaway portions or. openings, such as 58 and 5|, which provide air passages for the aeration of the enclosed articles.

As illustrated in Figs. 3 to 7, inclusive, the casing 28 is preferably provided with a wrapper 53 of sheet paper or other suitable material which encircles and partially covers the casing to reinforce and strengthen it and to provide a seal therefor that aids in snugly holding the fragile articles in place. The wrapper 53 preferably does not cover the ends of the casing and should cover the openings 58 and 5|. This wrapper 53 is preferably cemented or otherwise secured to the casing 20 and preferably overlaps itself,- as at 54, where it is cemented to provide a seal for the container which not only holds it shut but prevents theft or exchanging of enclosed articles without breaking the sealor wrapper. By tightly wrapping the wrapper 53 around'the casing 20, it urges the projections '41 toward and into engagement with the partitioning and cushioning element-33 tobrace the'top ofthe casing and urges the outwardly sloping side walls.

sit of printing upon the irregular and rough surface of themolded casing is eliminated.

In a manner such as thatillustrated in Fig. 4 the wrapper 53 may be cemented to a portion of the casing and shipped therewith without interfering with the nesting of the casings, as illustrated in Fig. 18. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the wrapper is cemented to the side walls 43 and 25 and to the bottom 24, and it fits into the hollow partitioning element 30. 'The wrapper also has openings, such as 55, in'alignment with the partitioning elements 28 and 3| which permit nesting of those elements. An extending portion 56 of the wrapper may have a desired label printed thereon and is preferably of proper size to cover and be secured to side walls 26 and 44 and to the top 42.

When the wrapper 53 is applied to the casing after shipment and enclosure of the articles, it preferably covers the casing, as illustrated in Figs. 5, 6, and '7.

In all of the figures of .the drawings, like reference numerals refer to similar parts. Referring particularly to Figs. 8 to 13, inclusive, and 15 -and 16, the receptacle or base portion 2| of the casing and the wrapper 53 are practically the same, as illustrated and described with respect to Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, so that the same description applies thereto. However, cover 58, while similarly integral with the base or receptacle 2| and hinged thereto at 23, has a top 59 gral with that side wall. The projecting portion 6|, as at 64, to provide a surface engaging the edge ofthe side wall 26 to aid in supporting the cover 58 and securing it in position. The projecting portion 63 also has cupped protruding portions 65 that are preferably in substantial alignment with the partitioning and cushioning element 3| and fit snugly between the partitioning element 3| and the side wall 26, when the cover is closed to brace the casing and hold the cover more firmly in place. The protruding portions 65 provide additional support to and between the articles in the casing. The sides 68 and 6| of the top 58 preferably extend out as far as the ribs and 4| on the ends 21 and 28 to provide greater resistance to end thrusts or shocks.

the bottom of the receptacle. Also, a projecting portion or flap 68 on the cover 69 engages the with projections 41 similar to those previously described, but preferably does not have any end walls. The cover 58 has a side wall that is angularly disposed with respect to the top 59 and a side wall 6| that is adapted to be folded substantially on the line 62, with respect to the top 59. A projecting portion 63 extends from the edge of the side wall 6| and is preferably inteouter surface of the side wall 26 and is secured against that surface by the wrapper 53, which overlaps itself and is sealed at 69.

In Figs. 5 to "I, inclusive, and 11 to 14, inclusive, which have been described, the fragile or breakable articles enclosed in the casings have been indicated in dot and dash lines at 16. These dot and dash lines indicate eggs for the packing of which the illustrated casings are particularly adapted. When packed in the receptacle or base 24, the eggs, as illustrated at 18, preferably fit snugly between the partitioning and cushioning elements 29, 38, and 3| and rest against the bottom 24 substantially on their end having the smaller radius of curvature.

From the foregoing description and references to the drawings it will be clearly understood that the containers disclosed have many advantages. When the casings are shipped or stored as such the nest together, as shown in Figs. 16 and 18, with very little waste space and can be used directly from such stacks without assembly operations. Even when wrappers are secured to the stored casings, as shown in Fig. 4, the casings still nest together with very little waste space,

In packing eggs or other fragile articles for shipment, the casings illustrated replace the generally used fillers and flats, the eggs or other art cles being placed in the casing and the casing closed, The proportions and design of the casings are such that they fit into standard outer cases with very little waste space. It is noteworthy that when packed in groups in cases the projecting ribs, such as 40 and 4|, at the ends of the casing provide cushions for the end surfaces and the outwardly sloping sides, such as 25 and 26, that form obtuse angles with the sides, such as 43 and 44 or 68 and 6|, provide the cushioning abntments for the side walls. Also, the ribs 40, 4|, 48 and 49, projections 41, and the partitioning element 30 strengthen and rigidif the casing with respect to vertical forces. The ribs 40, 4|, 48 and 49 also space the end walls 27, 28, 45 and 46 from adjacent objects to permit circulation of air through the openings 50 and SI in the end walls: This latter factor together with the factthat the partitioning and cushioning elements or separators 29, 30, and 3| and the projections 41 are spaced from each other and from the sides 25 and 26 and the ends 21 and 28 provide for better circulation of air around the articles than can be obtained when the articles fit snugly into cups and are substantially enclosed or ina dead air space.

When a wrapper, such as that disclosed, is applied to the outside of the casing to provide a seal and labeled covering therefor, it does not interfere with the aeration of the articles, because it does not cover the openings 50 and 5| or project over the end of the casing. The Wrapper also co-operates with the casing to ri gidify, brace, and strengthen it as well as to insure snug support for the enclosed articles.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various and further uses, modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and substance of the invention, the scope of which is commensurate with the appended claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A container for fragile articles comprising, in combination, an integrally molded casing having base and cover portions hingedly connected together bya molded flexible portion and opening to a position such that the top and bottom are in substantially the same plane: the said base portion having end and side walls that slope outwardly from the bottom, a hollow wedgeshaped partition dividing the bottom into two sections, a series of separated hollow, tapered, wedge-shaped separators on each side of the partition and substantially uniformly distributed along each of the two sections to divide the sections into article-receiving spaces; said cover portion having recessed end portions to provide openings in each end wall of the container and having separated hollow, tapered, polygonal projections distributed substantially parallel to the wedge-shaped partition and cooperating with the partition when the casing is closed to provide strength to the container and support to the articles; and a sheet paper cover for the casing fitting into the wedge-shaped partition on the outside of the bottom and having openings therein in alignment with said hollow separators and projections so that a series of similar containers nest closely together, said paper cover also providing a seal to hold the casing closed and prevent opening thereof without breaking the seal.

2. A container for eggs comprising in combination, a casing havingintegrally molded base and cover portions hingedly connected together, said base portion having a bottom and integrally molded end and side walls and a hollow wedgeshaped partitioning element molded into the bottom and extending throughout the length thereof intermediate the side walls, a series of spaced hollow tapered separators on each side of and separated from said partitioning element uni formly distributed to divide the base Portion into connected article receiving spaces, said cover portion having separated integral hollow tapered projections distributed substantially parallel with the wedge-shaped partitioning element and contacting with the partitioning element when the cover is closed to provide support for said cover and for the, articles in said container, said cover also having ends which are recessed to provide openings in each end wall of the container, which openings cooperate with the partitioning element of the base and the separated tapered projections of the cover to form air circulating openings from one end of the container to the other whereby air maycirculate on all sides of all the eggs while the containers arestacked side by side and one upon another.

3. A container for fragile articles comprising, in combination, an elongated casing including a base and a cover integrally molded of fibrous pulp material and hingedly connected together, said base having a bottom and side and end walls integrallymolded and having partitioning elements molded in the bottomrsaid partitioning elements comprising a longitudinal,

, wedge-shaped partition dividing, the base into two sections and a plurality of separated hollow, wedge-shaped separatorsvdividing said sections into article-receiving spaces, said cover having recessed end walls and integral hollow projections in substantial alignment with and extending toward and contacting the said partition when the casing is closed, said cover also having a portion on the free side wall thereof adapted to extend into the base intermediate one of the side walls thereof and some of the said set arators, said portion of the cover being shaped to engage the adjacent separators and side wall, and a covering of sheet paper encircling the easing and urging said projection on the cover into engagement with the partition to brace the casing and also holding said portion of the cover in engagement with the adjacent side wall and separators to further brace the casing, and said covering providing a seal for the casing.

. LOUIS SCHWARTZBERG.

hollow,

r CERTIFICATE OFUQRRECTION. m Patent No. 2, 285,129.- June 2, 1912.

' LOUIS SCHWARIZBERG.

It is hereby certified that error eppearsin the printed specification of'the above mnnbered petent requiring correction: as follows: Page 5, first column, line 20, after toe word "should" insert -.-not--; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the-same may confom to the record of the case in th e Patent Office.

-Signed and sealed thia day of July, A D. 1914.2.

Henry Van Arsdele,

(Seal); Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

